Department of Insurance
Supreme Court Rules "Sharing" Plan is Insurance

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2010) – Medi-Share, a medical “sharing” program run by the Christian Care Ministry, an arm of the American Evangelistic Association, is insurance and does not fall under the state’s “religious publication” exemption, according to a 5-2 ruling handed down today by the Kentucky Supreme Court.

The Kentucky Department of Insurance (DOI) had been in court with the group since June 2002. The Department charged that Medi-Share was operating as an unauthorized health insurer.

“We always believed Medi-Share was operating as an unauthorized health insurer and felt it was our duty as a regulatory agency to pursue this matter,” said Kentucky Insurance Commissioner Sharon P. Clark. “Our mission is to maintain a stable insurance market while protecting Kentucky consumers. Today’s ruling allows us to do both.”

The case is being remanded to Franklin Circuit Court for entry of a judgment consistent with the Supreme Court opinion.

According to court testimony by Medi-Share officials, about 300 families in Kentucky participated in the program. Those individuals can contact DOI at 800-595-6053 for information on health insurance options.

###